Is there a more beautiful bloom in the entire flower kingdom then the famous Blue Poppy? It is only to be expected that an elusive, magical flower like this is a little harder to grow. The secret with this plant is to grow cool and well shaded. Height: 60-90cm (24-36in).

Pre-chill seed for 3 weeks. Sow in winter or early spring in good free draining seed compost covering the seed with a light sprinkling of compost. Place out of doors in a coldframe or sheltered spot. Keep compost moist, protect from heavy rain but not from frost which is beneficial. Leave for about five weeks then bring into warmth of 13-18C (55-65P).

At two-leaf stage transplant seedlings to 8cm (3in) pots. Keep shaded from strong sunlight. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions and plant out when well established into deep, moist loam in sheltered semi-shaded position, spacing the plants 46-60cm (18-24in) each way.